leadership Archives

Strengthening the PK-12 leadership pipeline during a succession crisis

February 26, 2026 by Dr. Martin Yousef, LaFetra College of Education, University of La Verne

Without intentional investment, the PK-12 leadership pipeline will continue to narrow as retirements outpace preparation.

Across the country, districts are confronting a growing PK-12 leadership pipeline crisis. Veteran principals, assistant principals, and district administrators are retiring at increasing rates, yet there is not…

Newsline

Celebrating Teachers: Nominate Outstanding Educators for Crystal Apple Awards

February 17, 2026 by ESchool News Staff

School Specialty, a leading provider of learning environments, instructional solutions, and supplies for preK-12 education, is proud to celebrate outstanding educators with its 12th annual Crystal Apple Awards.

Teacher Professional Development

A new PLC model that builds collective efficacy and fights teacher burnout

February 13, 2026 by Douglas Fisher & Nancy Frey, San Diego State University & Health Sciences High and Middle College

Why modern professional learning communities need to focus on adult learning, real problems, and spreading innovation--enter PLC+.

In schools across the country, teacher turnover and burnout have reached crisis levels. Educators are stretched thin, often working in isolation, and many professional learning communities (PLCs) fail…

School Management

Being a principal just got harder–and here’s why

December 29, 2025 by Chris DeRemer, Chalkbeat

A principal should create an environment so safe and accepting that students and staff never feel like they must look over their shoulder.

There is a squeaky old merry-go-round in my neighborhood that my own children play on from time to time. Years of kids riding on it have loosened its…

Teacher Professional Development

4 ways AI can make your PD more effective

December 4, 2025 by Andy Szeto, Ed.D, Professor and District Administrator

AI can help PD facilitators design activities that meet everyone’s needs while keeping the group moving forward together.

If you lead professional learning, whether as a school leader or PD facilitator, your goal is to make each session relevant, engaging, and lasting. AI can help you…

Teacher Professional Development

Rethinking icebreakers in professional learning

November 28, 2025 by Andy Szeto, Ed.D, Professor and District Administrator

Too often, icebreakers are poorly designed fillers, disconnected from learning goals--they should respect professional learning.

I was once asked during an icebreaker in a professional learning session to share a story about my last name. What I thought would be a light moment…

District Management

From silos to systems: The digital advantage in schools

November 20, 2025 by Sara Douglas, Campbell County Schools

Going digital for critical student services helps education leaders centralize data and ensure seamless support across campuses.

When I first stepped into my role overseeing student data for the Campbell County School District, it was clear we were working against a system that no longer…

School Management

Truth vs. risk management: How to move forward

November 17, 2025November 13, 2025 by Dr. Yuvraj Verma, Bessemer City Middle School and William Howard Taft University

Explaining the “why” behind a decision can build staff trust, morale, and intelligence when it comes to truth and risk management.

In the world of K-12 education, teachers are constantly making decisions that affect their students and families. In contrast, administrators are tasked with something even bigger: making decisions…

Education Policy & Funding

Funding technology initiatives in uncertain times

October 24, 2025 by Gillian Rhodes, Avantis Education

Be intentional about where to look for technology funding, how to frame proposals, and how to measure and share impact

Recent policy shifts have caused significant uncertainty in K-12 education funding, especially for technology initiatives. It’s no longer business as usual. Schools can’t rely on the same federal…

Edtech Trends

Do screens help or hurt K-8 learning? Lessons from the UK’s OPAL program

January 14, 2026October 22, 2025 by Nesreen El-Baz, ESL Educator

In education, we don’t have to choose between tech and tradition--the real challenge is finding balance in learning.

When our leadership team at Firthmoor Primary met with an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) representative, one message came through clearly: “Play isn’t a break from learning, it…

School Management

Why education leaders must highlight their people

October 20, 2025 by Steven M. Baule, Ed.D., Ph.D.

When education leaders illuminate their teams' achievements, they don't diminish their own leadership, but they enhance it.

When I asked my executive assistant to proof my first superintendent’s report for the public board packet, she came back and said that she was surprised that I…

District Management

The superintendent survival kit: Transparency and truth in communications

November 7, 2025October 16, 2025 by Greg Turchetta, Apptegy

When it comes to superintendents and transparency, true leadership means standing up, accepting interviews, and answering tough questions.

As superintendents come under more political fire and frequent negative news stories about their school districts circulate, it is easy to see where the instinct to not comment…

Rethink the ordinary: 10 benefits of interactive solutions for education

September 18, 2025September 12, 2025 by Jeff Festa

In this era where technology influences nearly every aspect of life, education has an essential technology leadership role to ... Read more

District Management

Phones, devices, and the limits of control: Rethinking school device policies

November 7, 2025September 2, 2025 by Emily Smith, HonestWaves

Are we trying to eliminate cell phones in classrooms, or are we trying to teach responsible use via school device policies?

A growing body of research and an even louder chorus of educators point to the same conclusion: students are distracted, they’re disengaged, and their learning is suffering. What’s…

District Management

Beyond AI: Human connection still drives school attendance

November 7, 2025August 28, 2025 by Dr. Kara Stern, SchoolStatus

When it comes to school attendance, showing up to school is a human decision driven by authentic relationships--not AI.

At ISTE this summer, I lost count of how many times I heard "AI" as the answer to every educational challenge imaginable. Student engagement? AI-powered personalization!

Emergency Planning & Response

Preventing harm by connecting the dots in school safety

August 22, 2025 by Amanda Lewis, Versaterm

Swatting is just one example of how fragmented behavioral data can contribute to high-risk outcomes in school safety scenarios.

Swatting--false reports of school violence intended to trigger a police response--continues to increase across the country. During the 2022–2023 school year, nearly 64 percent of reported violent incidents…

Teacher Well-Being

Why student engagement starts with teacher clarity

August 14, 2025 by Dr. Mari Braithwaite, Alpine School District

Relationships, expectations, and clarity revealed themselves as critical to boosting and maintaining high levels of student engagement.

In Alpine School District, we serve a wide range of students, from Title I to highly affluent communities. While our population has traditionally been predominantly white and middle…

Teacher Professional Development

We’re losing STEM teachers–here are 5 ways to keep them and grow the ones we need

August 11, 2025 by Olga Vargas, Vernier Science Education

Recruiting and retaining STEM teachers isn’t just about filling vacancies--it’s about giving every student an opportunity to be inspired.

The critical shortage of qualified STEM teachers continues to challenge schools and districts across the country. This is especially true in high-need schools where early-career or uncertified teachers…

K-12 Cybersecurity

5 cybersecurity green flags: A practical guide for sourcing edtech

August 1, 2025 by Ben Johnson, Prodigy Education

Every school district can take meaningful, manageable steps to reduce risk, establish guardrails, and build trust with cybersecurity.

Although educators are excited to innovate, school leaders must weigh every new app or online platform against cybersecurity risks and the responsibility of protecting student data.

Education Policy & Funding

How the FY25 funding freeze impacts students across America

July 24, 2025 by Staff and wire services reports

AASA survey results from 628 superintendents across 43 states reveal the real-world impact of the FY25 federal funding freeze.

Communities across the nation began the budget process for the 2025-2026 school year after Congress passed the FY25 Continuing Resolution on March 14, 2025.

School Management

Navigating back-to-school anxiety: A K-12 success guide

July 24, 2025 by Dr. Jason Richardson, Garden City Elementary School & the International University of the Caribbean

Building strong support networks within the school community significantly reduces back-to-school anxiety levels.

As the 2025-2026 academic year approaches, experiencing anxiety about returning to the classroom is a natural response to change that affects everyone differently.

K-12 Cybersecurity

Rethinking K-12 cyber strategies amid federal budget cuts

July 21, 2025 by Gary Barlet, Illumio

Incremental but intentional steps to strengthen cyber hygiene help school districts improve their security posture and realize savings.

The recent suspension of the K-12 Cybersecurity Government Coordinating Council marks a pivotal shift in how the nation’s public school systems manage cybersecurity.

Teacher Professional Development

Using AI to reimagine teacher preparation for scale, equity, and reflective practice

July 16, 2025 by David A. Slykhuis, Ph.D., Valdosta State University

A computerized AI coaching support model lets pre-service teachers engage in scalable, self-guided reflection for teacher preparation.

With growing teacher shortages nationwide, particularly in high-need subject areas and underserved communities, educator preparation programs (EPPs) have a big task at hand.

Teacher Professional Development

5 resources to build stronger classrooms through PLCs

July 17, 2025July 14, 2025 by Laura Ascione

PLCs help educators collaborate with purpose and build stronger, more equitable learning communities to benefit teachers and students.

s the new school year approaches, one of the most powerful tools for continuous improvement is the professional learning community (PLC).

Live @ ISTE 2025

North Carolina District Wins ISTE 2025 Distinguished Award for AI Leadership and Parent Engagement Innovation

July 10, 2025July 8, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

Kimberley Thompson-Hairston, Director of Instructional Technology and Media for Stokes County Schools and Chad Stevens, Head of K-12 Engagement for ... Read more

Live @ ISTE 2025

Showfloor News: Gale and ConnectEDD Publishing focus on PD

July 1, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Gale, part of Cengage Group and ConnectEDD Publishing have partnered to bring the professional development (PD) resources of best-selling author, leadership ... Read more

COVID in Schools

Family engagement is critical to COVID academic recovery

June 26, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

Family engagement is essential to mitigating COVID-related learning challenges--and its impact extends far beyond test scores.

Family engagement is an essential part of continued COVID recovery, but is often misunderstood when education policy is formed, leading to a lack of involvement from families, caregivers,…

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

Bridging the digital divide to empower the youngest learners

June 19, 2025 by Dr. Melanie Johnson, Collaborative for Children

In Greater Houston, where nearly half of children start kindergarten unprepared, Collaborative for Children is taking bold steps to close the digital divide, beginning with our youngest learners.

Innovation Insights

89% of Parents Want Schools to Lead on Phone-Free Policies

June 12, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

To promote adaptive repetitive thinking, educators can address unpleasant emotions that students may experience with content on digital media

Yondr, the pioneer of phone-free spaces, today released a groundbreaking new report capturing the sentiment of over 1,000 parents nationwide ... Read more

District Management

8 tips for school leaders seeking to innovate

November 7, 2025June 12, 2025 by Michael B. Horn, Clayton Christensen Institute

How can school district leaders make practical innovation a daily part of their organizations and operations?

When school and district leaders read about innovation--defined as improvements for students and teachers that result in real progress, not anything that’s simply “new or different”--the changes can…

Education Policy & Funding

The U.S. had the blueprint for a high-class education–but abandoned it

June 10, 2025 by Dr. Yuvraj Verma, Bessemer City Middle School and William Howard Taft University

The United States was on the path to a great education system, but lost sight of what made its schools inspirational.

In the 1970s, educators and policymakers from across the globe (including from Finland) viewed the United States as a model of forward-thinking education--American schools were well-regarded for their…

COVID in Schools

Unpacking COVID’s lasting academic effects on 5th graders

June 9, 2025June 3, 2025 by Dr. Jason Richardson, Garden City Elementary School and International University of the Caribbean

Educators have been instrumental in helping students regain lost ground and make progress in their academic development after COVID.

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, it forced the closure of schools and a rapid shift to online learning. This unforeseen disruption in traditional education left…

Innovation Insights

Finding the Middle Ground

May 27, 2025May 27, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

Nancy Frey and Doug Fisher know their way around an education acronym. Both professors at San Diego State University and ... Read more

District Management

The cure for the school attendance crisis? Family support and a sense of belonging

November 7, 2025May 21, 2025 by Dr. Shanna Downs, West Georgia RESA

The chronic absenteeism rate has increased post-pandemic--a clear indicator that the problem isn’t letting up any time soon.

Empty seats have become a common sight in our nation’s classrooms. Students are missing school at record-high rates--not because they don’t want to be there, but because significant…

District Management

The business (and busy-ness) of education

November 7, 2025May 15, 2025 by Sean Slade, BTS Spark, America & Ken Simon, Institute for Educational Leadership

Every employee in a people-first culture--schools or business--should feel respected and feel that the company cares for them individually.

We often hear we should run our schools more like a business. It is intended to mean that we become more efficient and that we streamline our efforts…

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

The pros and cons of DEI in education

May 13, 2025 by Dr. Yuvraj Verma, Bessemer City Middle School and William Howard Taft University

Positive DEI efforts in education include thoughtful and inclusive implementation strategies that promote equity and inclusion for all.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have become integral to educational institutions across the United States. DEI aims to foster environments where all students can thrive regardless of…

Innovation Insights

InstructureCon 2025: Ryan Lufkin, Vice President of Global Academic Strategy, Brings the Skinny

May 8, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

When the developers of Canvas, the world’s leading web-based learning management system (LMS) software, invite you to a party—July 22-24 ... Read more

Newsline

Kenneth C. Griffin Donates $2 Million to Nonprofit Achieve Miami’s Teacher Accelerator Program to Strengthen South Florida’s Teacher Pipeline

May 8, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

Miami – Achieve Miami, a nonprofit dedicated to equalizing educational opportunities for students throughout Miami-Dade County, has received $2.4 million ... Read more

District Management

The dangers of attempting to ‘Instant Pot’ educational progress

November 7, 2025May 8, 2025 by Christy Hovanetz, ExcelinEd

Right now, K-12 needs a little more tough love--stronger expectations, accountability and leadership for students and their progress.

States aren’t happy with how their students are doing--not well, by all objective measures--but instead of focusing in on long-term solutions, they’re lowering expectations and sweeping those academic…

K-12 Cybersecurity

Edtech gone rogue? Tackling “Dirty Stream” attacks amidst uncontrolled app overloads

May 7, 2025 by Apu Pavithran, Hexnode

Safeguarding student data and securing the digital future of education is a joint venture to keep Android apps safe for schools.

In May 2024, Microsoft identified a critical vulnerability pattern targeting Android applications, ominously called “Dirty Stream.” This vulnerability allows malicious apps to overwrite files, potentially leading to arbitrary…

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